The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes
Publisher:  Henry Holt
Publishing:  May 5th, 2026
Format Read:  Paperback-Galley
Number of pages:   233 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines: "My name is Diez Espada."

Diez Espada is a sixth grader whose father once played as a college midfielder, before an injury ended his career.   Not long after, Diez and his father also lost his mother to cancer.  Even with everything that they've been through, Diez's dad has remained a devoted fútbol fan, even naming him after the jersey number of his favorite player, Lionel Messi. 

Diez plays on the soccer team his dad helps coach, though he'd much rather be analyzing any gaps in the team's defenses, reading his classic detective novels, or solving a real mystery, like the recent theft of his school's lobster mascot costume. During a fútbol game, he even sets a plan into motion to catch the culprit, but instead of exposing Rio as the thief, his phone (and all his evidence) gets destroyed by her bodyguard.  

Later that day, Rio shows up at Diez's home to apologize and offers him two tickets to a ritzy party at the Las Palmas resort for the unveiling of the World Cup trophy.  Diez and his dad are excited by the chance to meet the famous soccer players, but the celebration takes a turn when the trophy is stolen right in front of the guests.  

With a tropical storm now raging outside, Diez sees his chance to prove himself to his father and Detective Enzo, the renowned investigator hired to protect the trophy.  As the suspect list grows, clues begin to point toward the infamous thief known as La Lechuza, whose calling card is an owl feather.  With less than 24 hours before the final fútbol match begins, Diez and Rio must uncover who stole the legendary trophy before the thief is able to escape.

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup trophy is a delightful blend of fútbol, hotel intrigue, adventure and clue hunting. The story is filled with many amusing moments, like the bird who keeps squawking "they'll never get away with it," and Rio's twin brothers chasing after a poodle. Diez and Rio make good partners. Rio could probably talk herself out of any situation and Diez picks up on the smallest of details. It was entertaining to follow them as they interview guests at the party.

The Miami setting adds great atmosphere, and the inclusion of the old Prohibition tunnels added mystery and charm to the story. I also love that the book is releasing just as the FIFA World Cup kicks off in June. It's fascinating to learn the real history behind the two times that the trophy was actually stolen, even with heavy security guarding it. Overall, this is a good choice for mystery fan.

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog  HERE